UN urges increased aid as Afghan women's groups risk closure

More than half of the women’s organisations that operate in Afghanistan face the prospect of shutting down within the next twelve months, according to a warning issued by UN Women on Tuesday. The United Nations entity highlighted that funding shortfalls, increasingly restrictive Taliban regulations and security concerns are forcing NGOs that provide health, education and legal services to women and girls to consider suspending activities. UN Women estimates that out of roughly 300 groups active in the country, at least 170 could become non‑functional if current trends continue, jeopardising essential support networks for a population already grappling with severe gender‑based constraints.

The agency called on the international community to secure and channel resources promptly, emphasizing that the loss of these organisations would reverse gains made since the 2020‑2021 period in areas such as maternal health, literacy and protection from violence. UN Women also urged the Taliban authorities to honor commitments to allow civil society operations and to create an environment where women’s rights groups can function without intimidation. Without decisive action, the humanitarian and development landscape for Afghan women could deteriorate sharply in the coming year.